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Martin Kemp to Direct Adaptation of London Cult Crime Novel 'Top Dog'

The U.K. musician and actor will take on Dougie Brimson's screenplay based on his own novel.

LONDON – U.K. musician and actor Martin Kemp will direct the upcoming British crime drama Top Dog, a movie adaptation of the cult novel by Dougie Brimson (Green Street).

The movie will be produced by Jonathan Sothcott through his Richwater Films banner.

Kemp previously directed cult thriller Stalker, also produced by Sothcott, which picked up best picture and best director plaudits at the British Horror Film Festival and will be released in the U.S. later this year.

Brimson, who co-wrote soccer hooligan movie Green Street, is adapting his own novel into a screenplay.

Leo Gregory is attached to star as London villain Billy Evans who bites off more than he can chew when he crosses a more dangerous criminal gang.

Kemp said: "I'm thrilled to be directing Top Dog, I can't wait to get back behind the camera. Every so often something really special comes along, and this is it."

Sothcott added: "in our ambition to make the definitive hooligan movie, finding the right director was the last and perhaps most important part of the puzzle. I know from working with Martin over many years that his passion and very real skill as a film-maker will ensure that Top Dog becomes the ultimate lads film."

Shooting is scheduled to begin in November.

The movie will be released in the U.K. in 2014 by Universal Pictures U.K., part of Universal Pictures International Entertainment.